Learn and apply design thinking skills

Develop your personal brand and language

Practice "creative-seeing" in a unique environment

Create a unique user experience

Showcasing your portfolio pieces

Program Overview

Students in Summer Design Lab will be taught and exposed to the world of design through where they challenged to evaluate and propose solutions to real world problems today and in the future. The course takes place in an interdisciplinary design studio that engages students in the design thinking process. This is suitable for students who are interested in building a portfolio application and gaining foundational skillsets that will be suitable for any creative field such as: graphic, fashion, industrial, urban, and architectural design. Many other fields such as business, science, technology, engineering, and health require creative minds too. SDL welcomes all students who have an entrepreneurial spirit.

What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is a system and process that takes on a human-centric approach to innovation. It integrates design tools with technology and business development.

“But a ‘design thinking’ approach means more than just paying attention to aesthetics or developing physical products. Design thinking is a methodology. Using it, we can address a wide variety of personal, social, and business challenges in creative new ways.”

Program Breakdown

Part One:

An introduction to concept, process and “design thinking”.

Practicing “creative-seeing” exercises to flex your mind

Exploring “entrepreneurial design” and design theory

Investigating the tactile environmental

Drawing 2D representations of final project

Part Two:

A focus on communication, representation, and visual composition.

Learning the elements and principles of design process

Building 3D models and prototyping

Drawing daytrips and “Meet and Greet” a designer

Critiquing your studio project with industry designers

Part Three:

An emphasis on the object, the space and the experience.

Participating in advanced lectures and design charettes

Exploring and defining user experience

Preparing for final gallery exhibition

Documenting project with lab photographer

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to present my work to my class peers. It was good practice for me to be able to speak about my work….a great way to spend your summer!” — Y. Hubert, Grade 11 Student

Outcomes and Skills Development

The Summer Design Lab is based on the hands-on collaborative design process used in professional design firms and top-tier universities. The program is designed to prepare high school students for these competitive landscapes. Participants will come away with improved vocabulary and critical thinking, better portfolios, physical results of their design process (drawings and models) as well as photo and video evidence of their participation in this high calibre program.

Hard Skills

Design process

Drawing in 2D and 3D

perspective

technical and architectural

human figure

diagrams

Mind-mapping and diagramming

Modeling and physical prototypes

Portfolio development

Soft Skills

Design thinking

Presentation skills, oral and graphic

Active listening and observation

Critical thinking

Design critique

Collaborative process

Entrepreneurial exploration

Task management

Staff

Our staff brings a combination of professional design experience, creativity, leadership skills and a passion for helping high school students excel. Work experience and love for teaching, is what sets our instructors apart to create a dynamic environment that inspires and motivates students to explore the possibilities in the world of art and design.

“I really liked the teachers a lot. The material they taught and the experiences they shared was really helpful and useful in developing my skills as a designer.” — A. Wong, Grade 10 Student

Location

We are pleased to hold THE summer program for high school students at the Artscape Youngplace, a community cultural hub located in Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood. There is approximately 75,000 square feet of space of an ideas laboratory, part creativity workshop space to artistic inspiration, learning, growth and expression.

The facility opened in 2013 after a major renovation and community consultation process. Artscape’s $17 million transformation of the building, a former school, was completed just before the centenary of its construction in 1914. Artscape Youngplace is named in recognition of a generous lead gift from The Michael Young Family Foundation.

Artscape Youngplace is accessible by all forms of transportation.

Application Process

Acceptance and Confirmation

Confirmations are sent out as applications are determined to be complete and the student has been accepted into the program, usually within several weeks of the receipt of your application.

Fees

The comprehensive summer program fee is $500* per week (3 week total). This includes all fundamental studio materials and field trip entries during the course of the program.

Fees such as sundry purchases during field trips, any personalized materials and tools for individual studio projects and travel to and from the summer program are the responsibility of the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). Students are encouraged to bring a packed lunch or purchase their meal at the local cafe (lunch programs are available for additional fees – contact us for more details).

Payment must be made in full to be considered registered in the program. Taxes are not included. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged.

Important Notes

Dates: July 18th to August 5th, 2016 (weekdays only)

Class hours: 9AM – 4PM daily

Program Cost is $1575

Before March 15th, get $250 off (early bird special).

After March 15th, full payment required.

Last day to apply is June 30th, 2016

Register early to avoid disappointment

Summer Design Lab application must include the following items:

Application form includes artwork and photo waiver

Photograph of a piece of artwork that you created

Essay describing your piece of artwork (250 word)

Full payment of fees

Important Notes

The process mimics the application process at a post-secondary institution.

Phone interview may be required.

Scholarships

Save even more fees with scholarships. Scholarships are available on a first-come first-served basis and to those who have demonstrated potential through their application.

Limited funds are available so early application is advisable. For more details please contact us.